Truth behind Leeds United's European bid as growing belief reality explained

Securing a third successive season in the Premier League is the objective, and if Leeds can do that while pushing for another Wembley appearance in the FA Cup, then all the better.

Daniel Farke even made it clear in his last press conference before the international break that edging closer to the magical safety total of 40 points was at the forefront of his thoughts.

Now, all that may be the case, but a pursuit of a European place should certainly be an ambition. Leeds form, not just this season but stretching back almost a full season now this calendar year, has been good enough to secure a place in the Europa League. Their current position is likely to be enough for a Champions League place, so form and facts will tell you European football is not beyond this team.

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Last season Brighton and Hove Albion qualified for the UEFA Conference League by finishing in eighth place with a points total of 53. That was just six points more than Leeds picked up, despite the fact the Whites had a pretty average opening few months to the campaign.

Picking up an extra six points this season would be solid, not spectacular progress from Leeds, but could again be enough to qualify for European competition. And that's before we take into consideration the Manchester City factor and the possibility of that club's relegation from the Premier League, which as thing stand would elevate Farke's team into fourth place.

There's every chance it will take more than 53 points to qualify for Europe. Two seasons ago Nottingham Forest picked up the final spot through the league position and that was by finishing seventh with 65 points, which would be a huge leap forward for Leeds. A year earlier it was 63 points and a year before that in the 2022/23 campaign it was 61 points, but in 2021/22 it was just 56 points, proving last year was not an anomaly.

So it is clear last season's total was lower than average, but you don't get European qualification as reward for a points total, it's for where you finish and we keep coming back to the fact Leeds hold a European place as things stand, with uncertainty over Man City's position.

That should bring more than just faint hope. The club will stay level headed and keep targets to a minimum, but that doesn't mean fans shouldn't dream!